Floor structure and building construction panel therefor

ABSTRACT

AN IMPROVED FLOOR STRUCTURE ASSEMBLED FROM CONCRETE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANELS OF UNIQUE DESIGN. THE PANELS ARE ASSEMBLED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE INTERENGAGED RELATION. THE UPSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLED PANELS PRESENTS A PLURALITY OF TROUGHS HAVING DEFORMATIONS AND KEYING ELEMENTS ASSOCIATED THEREWITH, THE OVERLYING CONCRETE IS UNITED WITH THE PANELS AS A COMPOSITE FLOOR STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING IMPROVED LOAD-CARRYING CAPACITIES. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ASSEMBLED PANELS PRESENTS A PLURALITY OF CHANNELS WHICH MAY BE ADAPTED TO PROVIDE ANY ONE OF A VARIETY OF FINISHED CEILING ARRANGEMENTS.

Jan. 26, 1971 iBrEf. CURRAN FLQOR STRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONPANEL THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet l //v VE/V TOR. BER/VARD E. C URRA N 8) 1 BJE. CURRAIQN 5 ,5

FLOOR STRUCTURE Run BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Filed 0on9;1968 r 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I //v VE/V TOR. BERN/1 RD E. CUR/PA /v AGENTJan. 26, 1971 a; E. comm 3,55 FLOOR STRUCTUREKND-BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONPAW. THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9; 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I I40 240 2060 206624c 14c Fig. 32

IN VE/V TOR. BERNARD E. CURRAN AGENT Jam 5, 1971 6; E. CURRAN FLOORSTRUCTURE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PANEL THEREFOR Filed Oct. 9, 1968 5Sheets-Sheet 5 I I J I g 244 236 238 INVEN TOR.

BERNARD E. CURRAN AGE/VT United States Patent U.S. Cl. 52-588 6 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An improved floor structure assembled fromconcrete and building construction panels of unique design. The panelsare assembled in side-by-side interengaged relation. The upside of theassembled panels presents a plurality of troughs having deformations and'keying elements associated therewith. The overlying concrete is unitedwith the panels as a composite floor structure capable of developingimproved load-carrying capacities. The underside of the assembled panelspresents a plurality of channels which may be adapted to provide any oneof a variety of finished ceiling arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1 Field of the invention This inventionrelates to a building construction panel, and more particularly to animproved floor structure resulting from the use of the buildingconstruction panel.

(2) Description of the prior art In the construction of many multi-storybuildings, the floors are assembled from corrugated sheet metal deckingwhich is rigidified by a covering concrete layer. Such a floorconstruction is described in U.S. Pats. 1,855,082; 2,259,674. Theconcrete component of such floor construction is considered as aparasitic mass making no contribution whatsoever to the load-carryingcapability of the building floor. The corrugated metal decking sustainsthe entire load including the weight of the concrete.

There are other floor constructions utilizing corrugated sheet metaldecking merely as a form for supporting a poured-in-place reinforcedconcrete slab which serves a building floor. See, for example, U.S.Pats. 1,073,540; 1,073,542. Such concrete slabs combine the hardenedconcrete with metal tension reinforcement rods or wires.

More recently various proposals have been advanced for utilizing theload-carrying capability of concrete components in combination with theload-carrying capability of the sheet metal decking elements. The twomaterials are combined and the resulting floor has been identified as acomposite floor. Typical composite floor construction has been describedin Canada Pats. 704,839; 704,840; 704,841 and 704,842.

Still another type of panel is described in the prior art. See U.S.Pats. Re. 25,364; 3,049,198; 3,347,010. This panel is used principallyin roof structures. In general, these panels include a generallyhorizontal plate portion, a web portion depending from one side of theplate portion, and a generally horizontal flange at the lower end of theflange portion, serving as a base. These panels are installed inside-by-side relation with the base of each panel resting on supportingstructure and with that edge of the plate portion remote from the webportion overlapping and secured to the adjacent panel in the region ofthe web portion of the adjacent panel. Each of these panels ischaracterized by being unstable, that is, incapable of standing alone inthe position it assumes when installed in a roof structure. Moreover,these panels are considered unstable until such time as they aresecured, as by welding, to an adjacent previously installed panel. Wheninstalled in a roof structure, the underside of the panels is capable ofsupporting various elements adapted to form ceiling structures.

These prior art unstable elements find principal use in roof structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principal object of this invention is toprovide an improved floor structure resulting from the use of buildingconstruction panels of unique design.

Another object of this invention is to provide a building constructionpanel having an improved strength-to-weight ratio.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improvedload-bearing metal subfioor whose upside presents a plurality ofgenerally U-shaped troughs adapted to receive a covering layer ofconcrete, and whose underside presents a plurality of channels whichthemselves may be presented as a finished ceiling or which may supportextrinsic elements to provide any one of a variety of finished ceilingarrangements.

.Still another object of this invention is to provide a buildingconstruction panel capable of producing a full depth concrete rib forincreasing the load-carrying capacity of the finished metal-concretefioor structure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building constructionpanel having deformations and laterally disposed connecting members orkeying elements adapted to tie the covering layer of concrete to thebuilding construction panel thereby enabling the concrete and the panelsto act compositely to develop improved load-carrying capacities.

The present invention provides an improved floor structure whichincludes a metal subfioor assembled from a plurality of buildingconstruction panels of unique design and an overlying layer of concrete.

Although the present metal subfioor is assembled from a plurality ofbuilding construction panels, it is a convenient concept in describingthe metal subfioor to state that the subfioor includes a substantiallycontinuous pan and keying elements associated with the upwardlyextending ribs secure an overlying layer of concrete to the metalsubfioor in shear transferring relation therewith. The

downwardly extending ribs terminate in bases adapted to engage thebuilding framework which supports the improved fioor structure. Thedownwardly extending ribs and the substantially continuous deck portiondefine plural channels. The channels may be painted or otherwise decorated to provide a ribbed ceiling structure. Alternatively, the channelsmay support elements designed to provide any one of a variety of ceilingarrangements.

The present building construction panel can be characterized as anunstable element, that is, an element which is incapable of standingalone in the position which it assumes when assembled in the metalsubfioor assembly of this invention.

The building construction panel of this invention is formed from asingle sheet of metal and includes first and second generally verticalwebs which are laterally spaced from each other. A central pan extendsfrom the lower edge of the first generally vertical web toward thesecond generally vertical web and terminates in a longitudinal pan edge.First and second complementary connecting members are provided, onealong the upper edge of each of the first and second generally verticalwebs. A

base is provided at the lower edge of the second generally vertical webbelow the level of the central pan. A third generally vertical webconnects the central pan to the second generally vertical web. Thepresent building construction panel is adapted to be engagedside-by-side with other units of the same building construction panelwith the said first connecting member interfitting the second connectingmember of a previously installed building construction panel and withthe second connecting member iterfitting the first connecting member ofa subsequently installed building construction panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a floorstructure incorporating a plurality of building construction panels ofthis invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the building construction panel employedin the floor structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view on an enlarged scale of the building constructionpanel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 ofFIG. 2, illustrating embossments in a central pan of the presentbuilding construction panel;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating indentations in thecentral pan of the present building construction panels;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a starting section employed in the floorstructure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the initialinterfitted relation of first and second connecting members of adjacentones of the panels of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentaary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members in the position they assume when fullyconnected together;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a floorstructure including building construction panels of this invention,illustrating the formation of a ceiling structure incorporatingelectrical raceways and a lighting unit;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, illustrating theformation of an acoustical ceiling assemy;

FIGS. 11 to 14 are perspective views of building construction panels ofthis invention, illustrating alternative configurations of a centralpan;

FIGS. 15, 17, 19 and 21 are perspective views of building constructionpanels of this invention, illustrating alternative embodiments of thefirst and second connecting members;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members of adjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 15, inthe positions they assume when fully connected;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members of adjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 17, inthe positions they as sume when fully connected;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating the first andsecond connecting members of adjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 19, inthe positions they assume when fully connected;

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 are fragmentary cross-sectional views illustratingthe interconnection of the first and second connecting members ofadjacent ones of the panels of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are fragmentary isometric views illustrating alternativeembodiments of a base provided in the building construction panel ofthis invention;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the preferred endconfiguration of the present building construction panel;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary side view of two of the panels of FIG. 27supported on a horizontal beam;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 are fragmentary isometric views illustratingalternative embodiments of the end configuration of the present buildingconstruction panel;

FIG. 32 is a fragmentary side view of the panel of FIG. 31 supported ona horizontal beam;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the endconfiguration of the starter section of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective end views of further alternativeembodiments of the building construction panel of this invention,presenting deep troughs adapted to provide full depth concrete ribs; and

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken transversely through a floorstructure incorporating building construction panels of FIGS. 2, 34 and35.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Referring to FIG. 1, there isillustrated an improved floor structure 10 of this invention. The floorstructure 10 comprises a metal subfioor 12 assembled from a plurality ofbuilding construction panels 14 disposed in side-by-side interengagedrelation, a starter section 16 and a covering layer of concrete 18.

The building construction panel of this invention is formed from asingle metal sheet, such as steel, aluminized steel, galvanized steeland the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is a convenient concept when describing thebuilding construction panel 14 to state that it includes a generallyU-shaped trough 20 presenting complementary first and second connectingmembers 22, 24 on opposite sides thereof; and a supporting leg 26depending from the second connecting member 24 and terminating in a base28 adapted to support the panel 14. The trough 20 includes a central panor deck portion 30 provided with a plurality of generally paralleldeformations 32.

Referring to FIG. 3, the trough 20 includes first and third generallyvertical webs 34, 36 positioned along opposite sides and extendingupwardly from the pan 30. The first generally vertical web 34 includesan upper edge 38 adjoining the first connecting member 22 and a loweredge 40 adjoining the central pan 30. The pan 30 extends horizontallyaway from the lower edge 40 and terminates in a longitudinal pan edge 42adjoining the third generally vertical web 36. The third generallyvertical web 36 includes an upper edge 44 adjoining the secondconnecting member 24.

The supporting leg 26 comprises a second generally vertical web 46having an upper edge 48 adjoining the second connecting member 24 and alower edge 50 adjoining the base 28.

The supporting leg 26 and the base 28 have a generally T-shapedconfiguration. The base 28 includes an upper flange 52 adjoining thelower edge 50, a bottom flange 54 connected to the upper flange 52 at afold 56, and a terminal flange 58 connected to the bottom flange 54 at afold 60.

The first connecting member 22 may comprise an open channel 62 ofgenerally cylindrical configuration, having a longitudinal axis 64. Theopen channel 62 adjoins the first generally vertical web 34 at the upperedge 38, extends therefrom for an arc distance of greater than 180 andterminates in a leading edge 66. The leading edge is spaced from theupper edge 38 to provide a lengthwise opening 68. The open channel 62 isof a single metal thickness.

The second connecting member 24 comprises second and third open channels70, 72 of generally cylindrical configuration, having a commonlongitudinal axis 74. The second open channel adjoins the secondgenerally vertical web 46 at the upper edge 48. The third open channel72 adjoins the third generally vertical web 36 at the upper edge 44. Thesecond and third open channels 70, 72 are connected together at a foldor leading edge 76. The second and third channels 70, 72 extend from theupper edges 48, 44, respectively, for an arc distance of greater than180. The leading edge 76 is spaced from the upper edge 44 to provide asecond lengthwise opening 78.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the deformations32 comprise embossments 80 extending above an upper face 82 of thecentral pan 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the deformations 32may comprise indentations 84 extending below a lower face 86 of thecentral pan 30.

A plurality of the panels 14 can be erected in side-byside interengagedrelation to form the metal sheath 12 (FIG. 1). The first and secondconnecting members 22, 24 (FIG. 3) comprise complementary elementspresenting coengageable inner and outer surfaces 88, 90, respectively.That is to say, the inner surface 88 of the first connecting member 22of one panel is adapted to be engaged over the outer surface 90 of thesecond connecting member 24 of an adjacent panel.

The starter section 16 is the first member of the metal sheath 12 to beinstalled. The starter section 16 includes a generally vertical web 46'having an upper edge 48 adjoining an open channel 70 and a lower edge 50adjoining a base 28'. The starter section 16 corresponds with thesupporting leg 26 of the panel 14 (FIG. 2).

The assembly of adjacent panels 14A, 14B will now be described withreference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring first to FIG. 7, a fragment of thepanel 14A is shown oriented in the position it assumes in the metalsheath 12 (FIG. 1). The panel 14B is titled so that second connectingmember 24A is received through the lengthwise opening 68B of the firstconnecting member 22B. The panel 14B is then rotated in a clockwisedirection to bring the coengageable surfaces 88B, 90A into surfaceengagement and to place the first generally vertical web 34B inconfronting relation with the second generally vertical flange 46A, asshown in FIG. 8.

When the panels 14A, 14B are in the relative positions shown in FIG. 8,it will be seen that the central pans 30A, 30B are in a common plane. Inaddition, it will be seen that the coengageable surfaces 88B, 90A, areengaged over an arc length which is greater than 180 thereby providing arelatively waterproof, positive mechanical connection between the panels14A, 14B.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it is a convenient concept in describing themetal sheath 12, to state that the metal sheath 12 presents asubstantially continuous deck portion 92 having spaced-apart upwardlyextending ribs 94 provided with keying elements 96 along their upperends, and downwardly extending ribs 98. The substantially continuousdeck portion 92 corresponds with the central pans 30 of the pluralpanels 14. The upwardly extending ribs 94 corresponds with the first andthird generally vertical webs 34, 36 and that portion of the secondgenerally vertical web 46 above the central pan 30. The keying elements96 correspond with the first and second connecting members 22, 24 of theadjacent panels 14. The downwardly extending ribs 98 correspond withthat portion of the second generally vertical web 46 extending below thecentral pan 30 and the base 28.

The keying elements 96 and the deformations 32 secure the layer ofconcrete 18 to the metal subfioor 12 in shear transferring relation. Asa result, the concrete 18 and the metal subfioor 12 coact enabling thefloor structure to develop increased load-carrying capabilities.

The downwardly extending ribs 98 cooperate with the substantiallycontinuous deck portion 92 to provide a plurality of downwardly openingchannels 100. The downwardly opening channels 100 may themselves bepainted or otherwise decorated to provide a ceiling arrangement having arib like exposed surface, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively,as shown in FIG. 9, a continuous insert pan or strap 102 may be insertedinto one or more of the channels 100 to provide passageways 104 forelectrical conductors 105.

Access may be gained from above the floor 10 to any of the passageways104 by openings, schematically illustrated at 101, extending through theconcrete 16 and the central pan 30 of a panel 14. Decorative insert pans106 may be supported by the bases 28 to provide a flush ceiling 107. Toilluminate the subjacent floor area, lighting fixtures 108 (only oneshown) may be provided in selected ones of the channels together with atranslucent insert pan 110 supported by the adjacent bases 28. As afurther alternative arrangement, as shown in FIG. 10, an acousticalceiling 112 may be formed by providing each of the channels 100 with anacoustical insulation pad 114 and a perforated insert pan 116, both ofwhich are supported by the adjacent bases 28.

Alternative embodiments of the present building construction panel areillustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, inclusive. Corresponding numerals will beemployed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate building construction panels 14C, 14D,respectively, having central pans 30C, 30D, respectively of upwardlyconvex configuration. In FIG. 11, the central pan 30C has a generallyinverted V-shaped upper surface 118 including a ridge 120. A pluralityof the deformations 32 is provided in the central pan 30C on oppositesides of the ridge 120. In FIG. 12, the central pan 30D has a convexarcuate upper surface 122. Two rows of the deformations 32 are providedin the central pan 30D.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate building construction panels 14E, 14F,respectively, wherein the central pans 30E, 30F, respectively, haveupwardly concave configurations. In FIG. 13, the central pan 30E has agenerally V-shaped upper surface 124 provided with two rows of thedeformations 32. In FIG. 14, the central pan 30F has a concave arcuateupper surface 126 provided with two rows of the deformations 32.

Alternative embodiments of the connecting members provided in thepresent building construction panel are illustrated in FIGS. 15, 16; 17,18; 19, 20; and 2124. Corresponding numerals will be employed toidentify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIG. 15 illustrates a building construction panel 127 provided withfirst and second connecting members 128, 130. The first connectingmember 128 comprises an open channel 62 adjoining the first generallyvertical web 34 at the upper edge 38 and terminating at its opposite endin an outwardly flared portion 132. The second connecting member 130comprises a generally tubular channel 1'54 connected to the upper edges48, 44 of the second and third generally vertical webs 46, 36,respectively. The first and second connecting members 128, 130 presentcoengageable inner and outer surfaces 136, 138, respec-' tively.

The assembly of adjacent panels 127A, 127B is illustrated in FIG. 16. Toinstall the panel 1273, it is initially disposed in that position shownin dotted outline wherein the first connecting member 128B overlies thesecond connecting member 138A in saddle-like fashion. Downward pressureapplied to the first connecting member 128B, causes the first connectingmember 128B to be snapped over the second connecting member 138A intothe position shown in full lines.

FIG. 17 illustrates a building construction panel 140 provided withfirst and second connecting members 142, 144. The first connectingmember 142 comprises a first horizontal flange 146, a sloped portion 148adjoining the first generally vertical web 34 at the upper edge 38 andforming a downwardly opening groove 150; and a hooked end 152 formedalong the opposite edge of the first horizontal 146. The secondconnecting member 144 includes a second horizontal flange 154terminating in a generally L-shaped flange 156 providing a recess 158.An upstanding bead 160 connects the second horizontal flange 154 to thesecond generally vertical web 46. The second connecting means 144additionally includes a third horizontal flange 162 having one edgeadjoining the third generally vertical web 36 and terminating along itsopposite edge in a generally L-shaped flange 164. The L-shaped flanges156, 164 are connected at a fold 166.

FIG. 18 illustrates the positive mechanical connection provided by thesecond and first connecting members 144A, 142B of adjacent buildingconstruction panels 140A 140B, respectively. When the panels 140A and1403 are connected, the hooked end 152A resides in the recess 158A andresists vertical movement of the panel 140B relative to the panel 140A.The bead 160A resides in the groove 150B and resists lateral movement ofthe panel 140B relative to the panel 140A.

FIG. 19 illustrates a building construction panel 168 provided withfirst and second connecting members 170, 172. The first connectingmember 170 comprises a horizontal flange 174 having an outwardly flaredportion 176 along one edge and a reverse turned portion 178 disposedalong its opposite edge. The reverse turned portion 178 adjoins thefirst generally vertical web 34. A groove 180 is provided between thereverse turned portion 178 and the horizontal flange 174. The secondconnecting member 172 has a generally T-shaped configuration presentingoppositely extended horizontal ribs 182, 184 adjoining the second andthird generally vertical webs 46, 36.

FIG. illustrates the assembly of adjacent panels 168A, 168B. The firstand second connecting members 170B, 172A provide a clip type connectionbetween the adjacent panels 168A, 168B. During assembly, the panel 168Bis moved laterally toward the previously installed panel 168A. Passageof the outwardly flared portion 1768 over the second connecting member172A causes the horizontal flange 174B to be deflected upwardly. Whenthe horizontal bead 182A is seated in the groove 180B, the outwardlyflared portion 176B hooks over the outer edge of the horizontal rib 184Ato provide a positive mechanical connection between the adjacent panels168A, 168B.

FIG. 21 illustrates a building construction panel 186 provided with afirst connecting member 188 which is similar to the first connectingmember 170 of the building construction panel 168 of FIG. 19. The firstconnecting member 188 includes a horizontal flange 174 having a reverseturned portion 178 adjoining the first generally vertical web 36. Agroove 180 is provided between the horizontal flange 174 and the reverseturned portion 178. A terminal flange 190 is provided along the oppositeedge of the horizontal flange 174. The building construction panel 186also includes a second connecting member 172 which is identical to thesecond connecting member of the building construction panel 168 of FIG.19. Accordingly, the second connecting member 172 includes oppositelyextended horizontal ribs 182, 184 adjoining the second and thirdgenerally vertical webs 46, 36.

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 illustrate the assembly of adjacent panels 186A,186B. Initially, as shown in FIG. 22, the horizontal flange 174B ismoved above the second connecting member 172A such that the horizontalbead 182A will be received in the groove 180B. When the horizontal bead182 is seated in the groove 180B and the flange 174B overlies the secondconnecting member 172A, as shown in FIG. 23, suitable apparatus (notshown) is employed to bend the terminal flange 190B downwardly aroundthe horizontal rib 184A. The completed connection between the adjacentpanels 186A, 186B is illustrated in FIG. 24 wherein the terminal flange190B has been bent downwardly, around and under the horizontal rib 184A.

Alternative embodiments of the base provided in the present buildingconstruction panel are illustrated in FIGS. and 26. Correspondingnumerals will be employed to identify corresponding parts heretoforedescribed.

In FIG. 25, a base 192 includes a bottom flange 54 provided with asecond upper flange 194 terminating in a generally vertical terminalflange 196. The terminal flange 196 may be spot welded as at 198 orotherwise secured to the second generally vertical web 46.

FIG. 26 illustrates a base 200 wherein the first upper flange 52 and thebottom flange 54 are provided with an upturned edge 202, and the secondupper flange 194 and the bottom flange 54 are provided with a secondupturned edge 204. The upturned edges 202, 204 provide additionalreinforcement for the base 200.

FIG. 27 illustrates the preferred end configuration of the presentbuilding construction panel. The preferred end configuration will bedescribed with reference to the buliding construction panel 14 of FIG.2. It should be noted that any of the building construction panelsdescribed herein may be provided with end configurations such as shownin FIG. 27

The building construction panel 14 has a panel end 206 wherein thecentral pan 30 and the first and third generally vertical webs 34, 36remain in tact. A portion (not shown) of the second generally verticalweb 46 below the central pan '30 and above the base 28 is removed. Thebase 28 is bent to assume the configuration illustrated and is securedto the second generally vertical web 46 by a continuous fillet weld 208and by a second fillet weld (not shown) applied internally of the panel14. The arrangement is such that the base 28 is uninterrupted andprovides a flat portion or bearing pad 210 and an adjoining slopedportion 212.

As shown in FIG. '28, the panels 14C, 14D can be aligned in end-to-endabutment with the bearing pads 210C, 210D engaged with the horizontalupper flange 214 of a horizontal beam 216. The horizontal beam 216 formspart of the structural framework of a building. It will be noted thatthe second connecting members 24C, 24D, the first connecting members(not shown) and the central pans 30C, 30D extend continuously across thehorizontal beam 216. The panels 14C, 14D may be spot Welded or otherwisesecured to the horizontal beam 216.

FIG. 29 illustrates a panel 14 having a panel end 206' including a flatportion or bearing pad 210' and an adjoining sloped portion 212'. Inthis embodiment, portions of the central pan 30 and the third generallyvertical web 36 are removed. The flat segment 210 is secured to thecentral plan 30 and the web 36 by fillet welds 209. The flat segment210' has a lower face 211 which is flush with the lower face 213 of thecentral pan 30. When the panel end 206' of the panel 14 of FIG. 29 isplaced on a horizontal beam, the central pan 30 and the flat segment 210will be in overall surface engagement with the top flange of thehorizontal beam. Such an arrangement facilitates the welding of shearstuds through the central pan 30 directly to the horizontal beam toprovide a composite beam construction.

FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative end configuration of a buildingconstruction panel 218 having a panel end 220. In this embodiment, thesloped portion 212 terminates at the level of the central pan 30. Abearing plate 222 is welded or otherwise secured to the bottom face ofthe central pan 30 in the position illustrated. The bearing plate 222 isthus positioned to engage the top flange of a horizontal beam.

FIG. 31 illustrates a further alternative end configuration of abuilding construction panel 224. The panel 224 includes a panel end 226wherein the second generally vertical web 46 is provided with alongitudinal slot 228 below the level of the central pan 30 and an insetgenerally vertical edge 230 extending downwardly from the slot 228.

In FIG. 32, two aligned and end-to-end abutted panels 224A, 2MB areshown supported op a horizontal beam 216. The beam 216 includes avertical web 232 and a horizontal upper flange 214. The upper flange 214is received in the longitudinal slot 228A, 228B. The inset verticaledges 230A, 230B are engaged with the opposite faces of the vertical web232. Continuous fillet welds 234 secure the panels 224A, 224B to thehorizontal beam 216.

It will be noted that the central pans 30A, 30B; the second connectingmembers 24A, 24B; and the first connecting members (not visible) extendcontinuously across the horizontal beam 216.

FIG. 33 illustrates the end configuration of the starter section 16. Thebase 28' includes the chat segment or hearing pad 210" positioned toengage the top flange of a horizontal beam and the adjoining slopedsegment 212".

'Further alternative embodiments of the present building constructionpanel are illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35. Corresponding numerals will beemployed to identify corresponding parts heretofore described.

FIG. 34 illustrates a building construction panel 234 wherein the secondgenerally vertical web 46 is laterally spaced-apart from thelongitudinal pan edge 42 of the central pan 30. The panel 234 includes abase 236 comprising a second pan 23-8 connected to the second generallyvertical web 46 and extending therefrom toward and generally parallelwith the central pan 30. A fourth general vertical web 240 connects thethird generally vertical web 36 to the second pan 238. The base 236presents oppositely extending flanges 242', 244 adapted to support theafore mentioned ceiling components.

The second generally vertical web 46 is provided with a secondconnecting member 2 4' comprising an open channel 246 of a single metalthickness and presenting an outer surface 248. A generally tubular rib250 connects the corresponding upper edges of the third and fourthgenerally vertical webs 36, 240.

The arrangement is such that the second generally vertical web 46, thesecond pan 238 and the fourth generally vertical web 240 define agenerally U-shaped deep trough 2S2 adapted to provide a full depthconcrete rib, as will be described.

In FIG. 35, there is illustrated a building construction panel 254wherein the second generally vertical web 46 is laterally spaced-apartfrom the longitudinal pan edge 42 of the central pan 30. The panel 254additionally includes a base 236 comprising a second pan 238 extendingfrom the second generally vertical web 46 toward and generally parallelwith the central web 30. The base 236' presents oppositely extendingflanges 242', 244 adapted to support the aforementioned ceilingcomponents.

in this embodiment, a third generally vertical web 36' extendsdownwardly from the longitudinal pan edge 42 and is connected to thesecond pan 238'. The second generally vertical web 46, the second pan2'38 and the third generally vertical web 36' define a generallyU-shaped trough 256 adapted to provide a full depth concrete rib,as-will be described. The second generally vertical web 46 is providedwith, a second connecting member 24" comprising an open channel 246'having an outer surface 248'. The outer surface 248' is adapted to beengaged with the inner surface '88 of the first connecting member 22 ofan adjacent panel.

Referring to FIG. 35, there is illustrated a floor structure 258comprising a metal subfloor 12' and an overlying layer of concrete 16.For the purpose of illustration, the metal subfloor 12 comprises aplurality of the building construction panels 14, one of the buildingconstruction panels 2'34, and one of the building construction panels254. A flush-type acoustical ceiling structure 112 is supported on theunderside of the metal sheath 12' in the manner described above.

The trough 252 of the panel 234 is filled with concrete and provides afull depth concrete rib 260. The second connecting member 24 isinterengaged with the first connecting member 22 of the adjacentbuilding construction panel 14 and comprises one of the aforesaid keyingelements 96'. Similarly, the generally tubular rib 250 also comprises akeying element 96'. The keying elements 96 and the deformations 32 (FIG.34) provided in the second pan 238 secure the concrete rib 200 to themetal subfloor 12'.

The trough 256 of the panel 254 is filled with concrete and provides afull depth concrete rib 262. The second connecting member 24" isinterengaged with the first connecting member 22 of the adjacent panel14 and comprise a keying element 96". The keying element 96" and thedeformations 32 (FIG. 35) provided in the second pan 238 secure theconcrete rib 262 to the metal sub- 'It should be evident that theinclusion of one or more of the panels 234, 254 and the concrete ribs260, 262 provided thereby will significantly increase the load-carryingcapacity of the floor structure 258.

I claim:

1. flooring panel formed from a single metal sheet comprising:

a first generally vertical web having upper and lower edges;

a second generally vertical web laterally spaced from said firstgenerally vertical web and having upper and lower edges above and belowthe level of the lower edge of said first generally vertical web;

a central pan extending from the lower edge of said first generallyvertical web toward said second generally vertical web and terminatingin a longitudinal pan edge disposed intermediate of the upper and loweredges of said second generally vertical web;

a third generally vertical web having a lower edge adjoining saidlongitudinal pan edge and an upper edge adjacent to the upper edge ofsaid second generally vertical web;

first and second connecting members of the self-connecting type:

said first connecting member comprising a generally cylindrical openchannel of a single metal thickness, adjoining the upper edge of saidfirst generally vertical web and terminating in a leadingedge spacedfrom the upper edge of said first generally vertical web;

said second connecting member comprising generally cylindrical outer andinner concentric open channels adjoining respectively the upper edges ofsaid second generally vertical web and said third generally vertical weband being connected at a common leading edge spaced from the upper edgesof said second generally vertical web and said third generally verticalweb;

a base of double metal thickness adjoining the lower edge of said secondgenerally vertical web below the level of said central pan; and

generally parallel deformations in said central pan, said deformationsprojecting out of the plane of a face of said central pan and extendingtransversely thereof;

said flooring panel adapted to be engaged s-ide-by-side with others ofsaid flooring panel with said first connecting member interfitting thesecond connecting member of a previously installed flooring panel andwith the said second connecting member interfitting the first connectingmember of a subsequently installed flooring panel.

2. The building construction panel of claim .1 wherein said central pancomprises a generally flat sheet portion.

3. The building construction panel of claim 1 wherein said central panhas an upwardly convex configuration.

4. The building construction panel of claim 1 wherein said central panhas an upwardly concave configuration.

5. The building construction panel of claim 1 wherein said deformationcomprise embossments extending above the upper face of said central pan.

6. The building construction panel of claim 1 wherein said deformationscomprise indentations extending below the lower face of said centralpan.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 647,713 4/1900 Wymer 52336 (Otherreferences on following page) UNITED STATES PATENTS Taylor 52-588Calkins 52-492 Dobbins 52-536 James 52-588 Brown 52-336 Richter 52-588HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R.

